Little Chefs in Paris

A rat named Remy may have inspired the world’s next great chef. The Oscar-winning film Ratatouille, which follows the culinary adventures of a foodie rat in the kitchen of the Parisian restaurant Gasteau’s, has opened the eyes of kids to the delights of fine food. Thanks to Remy, little fans of the film have become aspiring little chefs and little foodies themselves. Snack time (for better or worse) may have some kids turning up their noses at ants on a log in favor of a perfect pairing of roquefort and grapes. To encourage your budding gourmet, a trip to Paris offers ample opportunities for culinary exploration for kids and parents alike.

Cooking Classes

In the film, Remy has to rely on the legendary cookbook of Chef Gusteau to teach himself how to cook, since being a rat, acceptance at a culinary school is out of the question. For human children, however, there are schools throughout the city offering cooking classes for every age group, allowing them to experience firsthand the joys of the kitchen. And—bonus for parents—you’ll get a couple of hours to have an adults-only lunch in Paris.

Each month The Ecole Ritz Escoffier offers its “Marmiton” workshop for children ages 6-11. The focus changes with each class, ranging from seasonal vegetable millefeuille (a layered puff pastry) to rose macaroons. Kids put on a full chef’s outfit (including a toque blanche, the iconic white hat that Remy used to hide under) and receive a cookbook, a diploma and a class photo. English translation is available, but book early as classes fill quickly.

• These girls are learning from the best in Le Cordon Bleu’s “Les Petits Cordon Bleus” children’s program.
• Courtesy of le Cordon Bleu® International

The venerable Le Cordon Bleu Paris, holds “Les Petits Cordons Bleus” workshops for children 8 to 12 years old on select Wednesdays and Saturdays in English or French. Under the instruction of a cuisine or pastry chef, each little chef prepares a recipe, step by step, to take from the lesson and share with their parents after the lesson.

Another option, “Les coulisses du Chef,” are cooking workshops organized by Chef Olivier Berte, who spent years as a manager at several Parisian restaurants before returning to the kitchen. His Wednesday classes are open to children; each two-hour session concentrates on a different creation, from mousse au chocolat to tarte aux fraises (strawberry tart).

• Street markets in Paris are a great way to get some of the freshest fruits and vegetables in the city.
• Richie Diesterheft

Street Markets

Remy basks in the discovery of new food and ingredients. Before arriving at Gusteau’s, he has to swipe morsels of the food he loves from the kitchen of the country house he and his family live in—or dig them out of the garbage. Thankfully, families visiting Paris have a more savory outlet for exploring the city’s tasty treasures—Parisian street markets.

Throughout the week, markets provide an array of seasonal foods in just about any and every arrondissement (district) of the city and are the best way to explore the food culture of the city. The Paris Visitors Office provides a list of the locations and schedules of different markets: no matter where you’re staying, there’s likely to be one right around the corner. Since checking out the many fruit and vegetable stalls can be tiring for little ones, pick up some picnic provisions and head to the nearest park for lunch. Or, take a break at a nearby crepe stand. A simple, warm crepe filled with Nutella is sure to satisfy even the most discerning young (and old) palate, reinvigorating everyone for further exploration.